The following information (Health Effects, Handling/Disposal, and Ingredients) is taken from the product label and/or the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) prepared by the manufacturer. The National Library of Medicine does not test products nor does it evaluate information from the product label or the MSDS. (What is an MSDS?)

Health Effects

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Acute Health Effects:

From MSDS INHALATION: Dusts may cause mucous membrane and respiratory tract irritation. SKIN CONTACT: Repeated or prolonged exposure can result in defatting and drying of the skin which may result in irritation and dermatitis. Absorption of sodium borate through severely damaged skin can result in effects and symptoms similar to those following ingestion. However, there are no cases of poisoning from occupational exposures reported in the literature. EYE CONTACT: May cause moderate to severe irritation, with possibility of corneal injury if not removed promptly. INGESTION: Large quantities may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, lethargy, headache, lightheadness, or atypical rash. MEDICAL CONDITIONS GENERALLY RECOGNIZED AS BEING AGGRAVATED BY EXPOSURE: Persons with history of chronic skin conditions.

Chronic Health Effects:

From MSDS No chronic health effects are expected from the intended use of these products or from foreseeable handling of them in the workplace. Nonetheless, the following effects have been reported for a component, sodium borate, and boric acid. Sodium borate upon entry into the body becomes boric acid. Sodium Borate: Depending upon the dose, sodium borate and boric acid interfere with sperm production, damage the testes and interfere with male fertility when given to animals by mouth at high doses. Depending upon the dose, boric acid produces developmental effects, including reduced body weight, malformations and death, in the offspring of pregnant animals given boric acid by mouth. The above mentioned animal studies were conducted under exposure conditions leading to doses many times in excess of those that could occur through product use or inhalation of dust in occupational settings. Moreover, a human study of occupational exposure to sodium borate and boric acid dusts showed no adverse effect on fertility.

Carcinogenicity:

From MSDS Not listed as carcinogenic by NTP, IARC, or OSHA.

First Aid:

From MSDS INHALATION: Remove from exposure area to fresh air immediately. Keep affected person warm and at rest. Treat symptomatically and supportively. Contact physician or local poison control center. If breathing has stopped, give artificial respiration, and get medical attention immediately. SKIN CONTACT: Rinse affected area until no evidence of product remains. Get medical attention if symptoms of overexposure, as described above for ingestion, develop or if irritation persists. EYE CONTACT: Immediately rinse eyes with plenty of water, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids, until no evidence of product remains. Get medical attention if pain or irritation persist. INGESTION: Treat symptomatically and supportively. Maintain airway and respiration. If vomiting occurs, keep head below hips to prevent aspiration. Dilution by rinsing the mouth and giving water or milk to drink is generally recommended. If unconscious, the victim should not be given anything to drink. Contact physician or local poison control center.